The Ledger

The publication began its journey on August 22, 1924, under the name Lakeland Evening Ledger. In 1927, it acquired its primary rival, the morning Lakeland Star-Telegram. By 1930, it became clear that Lakeland could only sustain one newspaper, leading Ledger Publishing Company to combine the two into a single morning edition called the Lakeland Ledger and Star-Telegram. In 1941, the Star-Telegram was removed from the title, and by 1967, the name was further simplified to just The Ledger.

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'She's proud': Aunt's cancer plight propels Polk County student's award-winning science project

22 hours ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Aksh Ladegaonkar, a sophomore at International Baccalaureate at Bartow High School, won second place in the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition for his project on treating pancreatic cancer. Inspired by his aunt's battle with pancreatic cancer, Aksh's research focused on improving drug delivery using modified liposomes and tested his methods on planarians. Aksh's project earned him recognition at regional and state science fairs, and he qualified for the International Science Engineering Fair.
Another Polk County golf course is targeted for redevelopment. Residents are in an uproar

1 day ago | theledger.com | Gary White

The owners of Lake Wales Country Club have proposed a development plan called Vintage Preserve that would add nearly 1,100 homes to the property. Residents of Lake Wales Country Club oppose the development, citing concerns about the loss of green space, increased traffic, and the developer's history. The Lake Wales Planning and Zoning Board delayed a decision on the proposal until its July meeting. The current owners have been criticized for neglecting the golf course and other facilities.
Lake Wales reclaims historic Walesbilt hotel, will soon seek proposals from developers

2 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

The City of Lake Wales has regained ownership of the historic Walesbilt Hotel after a legal battle with the previous owner. The city plans to conduct a structural assessment of the building before seeking new developers. City officials hope to select a developer by the end of summer and prefer the building remain a hotel. The deed is done: Lake Wales again is the owner of the historic Walesbilt Hotel, a downtown landmark that has been vacant for decades.
Lake Wales Commission approves five-year contract with Maryland company for traffic cameras

3 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

The Lake Wales City Commission approved a contract with Altumint to operate traffic and school zone cameras. The city will pay Altumint a monthly rental fee or a per-paid-citation fee for speed cameras, and a monthly fee for red-light cameras. Lake Wales Police Department will review recordings and issue citations. The commission also approved runoff elections starting in 2026 for races without a majority winner.
OU softball game vs Texas A&M in SEC Tournament final canceled due to weather

4 days ago | theledger.com | Ryan Aber

ATHENS, GA — The SEC Tournament title game between OU and Texas A&M has been canceled. The game was moved up four hours to try to get it the game in but rain began Saturday morning and other than a brief window, has continued. The SEC announced that the teams would be declared co-champions.
May 14 is the final hurricane debris pick-up day for unincorporated Polk County residents

4 days ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

May 14 is the final deadline for unincorporated Polk County residents to schedule hurricane debris pickup. Residents must call 863-535-2200 before May 14 to be added to the final pickup list. May 14 is the last day for pick-up of any hurricane-related debris for unincorporated Polk County residents. County residents must call the Polk County Roads and Drainage Division at 863-535-2200 prior to May 14 and give their address to the operator to be added to the list for the final pick-up.
Publix Employees Federal Credit Union to add a second Lakeland location

4 days ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

Publix Employee Federal Credit Union is opening a new branch in Lakeland, Florida on May 21. The new branch will be located at 1215 N. Parkway Frontage Road and is expected to create new jobs. PEFCU, headquartered in Lakeland, serves Publix employees and other eligible members. The credit union has assets of $1.58 billion and is insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Publix Employees Federal Credit Union is set to open a second branch in Lakeland on May 21.
Wrong-way motorist causes head-on crash on US 27 near Frostproof, killing both drivers

5 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Two drivers died in a head-on collision on U.S. 27 near Frostproof, Florida. A northbound Toyota Corolla collided with a southbound Nissan Altima, resulting in the Toyota catching fire. The driver of the Toyota and the driver of the Nissan were killed, while a passenger in the Nissan was critically injured. A 911 call reported a car traveling the wrong way on U.S. 27 at high speed just before the crash.
PCSO: 4 teens arrested in brutal beating of Mulberry man. Some face attempted murder charges

5 days ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

Four teenagers were arrested in Mulberry, Florida, in the brutal beating of a man at a car wash. The victim suffered serious facial injuries and is hospitalized in intensive care. Three of the teens are charged with attempted second-degree murder. Four teens have been arrested in connection with the brutal beating of a Mulberry man on May 5 that put him in a hospital's intensive care unit, Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
Polk County delays vote on roosters, chicken coops and development issues over pending state bill

5 days ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

Polk County Commission delayed a vote on restricting roosters to lots larger than half an acre. The commission wants to reduce setback for chicken coops from 50 feet to 10 feet by June. A pending Florida law may prevent the county from enacting the rooster restriction, among others. The law aims to prevent local governments from imposing stricter regulations after hurricanes. The commission also delayed votes on stormwater requirements and public hearing notification rules.